Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Medium44.52%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$52,230
Median$91,100
High (90th %)$158,730
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Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
The occupation of "Molecular and Cellular Biologists" has an estimated automation risk of 44.5%, which is just below its base risk value of 45.5%. This moderate risk reflects both the field’s reliance on routine, data-driven tasks and the continued importance of expert-driven analysis and creative problem solving. The nature of a biologist’s work involves repetitive and structured activities that are highly suitable for automation, especially as laboratory technologies and artificial intelligence tools become increasingly sophisticated. Automated platforms can handle standardized procedures, manage persistent laboratory records, and execute data management tasks with more speed and fewer errors than humans. Among the most automatable tasks in this occupation are "writing grant applications to obtain funding," "maintaining accurate laboratory records and data," and "designing molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, overseeing their execution, and interpreting results." These functions typically follow structured formats, involve large datasets, and can benefit from language models or robotic systems. For example, software can generate drafts of grant applications based on templates, recordkeeping can be delegated to lab management platforms, and high-throughput automated systems can conduct and record experiments with minimal human oversight. This potential for automation can help streamline workflows and free up human biologists to concentrate on more complex or creative activities. Conversely, the tasks most resistant to automation are those involving creativity, nuanced judgment, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This includes "designing databases such as mutagenesis libraries," which requires custom solutions and intuitive understanding of experimental needs, as well as "conferring with vendors to evaluate new equipment or reagents or to discuss the customization of product lines to meet user requirements." Furthermore, "participating in all levels of bioproduct development" involves strategic market analyses, experimental design, and close cooperation with operations and quality control teams—skills that demand originality and adaptive thinking. These resistant areas are further highlighted by the bottleneck skill—originality—whose presence at both basic (3.8%) and higher (4.5%) levels underlines the importance of human insight and creativity in this field, slowing the pace of complete automation.
Filter by Automatable Status
Write grant applications to obtain funding.
Partially Automatable
Maintain accurate laboratory records and data.
Partially Automatable
Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results.
Partially Automatable
Conduct research on cell organization and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation.
Partially Automatable
Prepare or review reports, manuscripts, or meeting presentations.
Partially Automatable
Instruct undergraduate and graduate students within the areas of cellular or molecular biology.
Partially Automatable
Direct, coordinate, organize, or prioritize biological laboratory activities.
Partially Automatable
Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research.
Partially Automatable
Provide scientific direction for project teams regarding the evaluation or handling of devices, drugs, or cells for in vitro and in vivo disease models.
Partially Automatable
Supervise technical personnel and postdoctoral research fellows.
Non-Automatable
Conduct applied research aimed at improvements in areas such as disease testing, crop quality, pharmaceuticals, and the harnessing of microbes to recycle waste.
Partially Automatable
Develop guidelines for procedures such as the management of viruses.
Non-Automatable
Develop assays that monitor cell characteristics.
Partially Automatable
Coordinate molecular or cellular research activities with scientists specializing in other fields.
Partially Automatable
Verify all financial, physical, and human resources assigned to research or development projects are used as planned.
Partially Automatable
Evaluate new supplies and equipment to ensure operability in specific laboratory settings.
Partially Automatable
Participate in all levels of bioproduct development, including proposing new products, performing market analyses, designing and performing experiments, and collaborating with operations and quality control teams during product launches.
Partially Automatable
Confer with vendors to evaluate new equipment or reagents or to discuss the customization of product lines to meet user requirements.
Partially Automatable
Design databases, such as mutagenesis libraries.
Partially Automatable
Perform laboratory procedures following protocols including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning and extraction, ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification, or gel electrophoresis.
Partially Automatable
Compile and analyze molecular or cellular experimental data and adjust experimental designs as necessary.
Partially Automatable
Monitor or operate specialized equipment, such as gas chromatographs and high pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingLearning StrategiesOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceSystems EvaluationWritingMathematicsScienceActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingPersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageTherapy and CounselingCustomer and Personal ServiceEducation and Training
Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesPerforming General Physical Activities
GraphPad Software GraphPad PrismMagma Design Automation softwareMinitabRClustalWPHYLIPCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteAdobe IllustratorMolecular Devices Corporation MetaMorphPythonC++Primer3AcaClone pDRAW32Agilent CGH AnalyticsMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordWeb browser softwareMicrosoft AccessGitLaboratory information management system LIMSMagma Design Automation softwareMathsoft MathcadData mining softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareAgilent Technologies GeneSpring GXBlast Output Browser BOBCRI-MAPDelilaDeoxyribonucleic acid DNA librariesEnzymeXFASTAFASTLINKGenotyping softwareGeospiza GeneSifterMendelMichigan State University MSU ProFlexNetPrimerRasMolBasic Local Alignment Search Tool BLASTThe MathWorks MATLABMinitabBasic Local Alignment Search Tool BLASTCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteClustalWPHYLIPAdobe IllustratorMolecular Devices Corporation MetaMorphPrimer3C++Microsoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordGitLaboratory information management system LIMSGraphPad Software GraphPad PrismMathsoft MathcadMicrosoft Office softwareData mining softwareAcaClone pDRAW32Agilent CGH AnalyticsBlast Output Browser BOBCRI-MAPDelilaDeoxyribonucleic acid DNA librariesEnzymeXFASTAFASTLINKGenotyping softwareGeospiza GeneSifterMendelMichigan State University MSU ProFlexNetPrimerRasMolWolfram Research MathematicaWolfram Research MathematicaCorel CorelDraw Graphics SuiteAgilent Technologies GeneSpring GXRCorel CorelDraw Graphics SuiteTextco BioSoftware Gene InspectorTextco BioSoftware Gene InspectorGene Recognition and Assembly Internet Link GRAILGene Recognition and Assembly Internet Link GRAILThe MathWorks MATLABPythonMicrosoft ExcelWeb browser softwareMicrosoft Access
Natural Sciences Managers
Medium46.02%
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
Data Scientists
Medium59.38%
Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.
Bioinformatics Technicians
Medium54.40%
Apply principles and methods of bioinformatics to assist scientists in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. Apply bioinformatics tools to visualize, analyze, manipulate or interpret molecular data. May build and maintain databases for processing and analyzing genomic or other biological information.
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Medium49.00%
Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.
Nanosystems Engineers
Medium47.02%
Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Medium49.97%
Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
Microbiologists
Medium43.81%
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Bioinformatics Scientists
Medium51.45%
Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.
Geneticists
Medium46.99%
Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.
Biologists
Medium43.26%
Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Medium45.59%
Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.
Chemists
Medium51.25%
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
Biological Technicians
Medium56.49%
Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium43.68%
Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium39.53%
Teach courses pertaining to the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances. Work may include providing instruction in the methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Physicians, Pathologists
Medium41.42%
Diagnose diseases and conduct lab tests using organs, body tissues, and fluids. Includes medical examiners.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Medium47.65%
Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.
Cytogenetic Technologists
Medium55.83%
Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.
Histotechnologists
Medium47.76%
Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Medium43.59%
Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.
Mathematicians
Medium44.50%
Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods.
Biostatisticians
Medium55.00%
Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.
Astronomers
Medium46.13%
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
Physicists
Medium51.27%
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium43.47%
Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium43.04%
Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.